Pictured Rove Beetle vs Japanese Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pictured Rove Beetle | Japanese Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus littoralis | Lilioceris merdigera |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 7-10mm | 6-7 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pictured Rove Beetle
A slender black and orange rove beetle with short elytra exposing most of its abdomen. It contains the toxin pederin which causes severe skin blisters.
Did You Know?
Pederin produced by symbiotic bacteria in the beetle is more potent drop for drop than cobra venom but is only released when the beetle is crushed on skin.
Japanese Leaf Beetle
A small, bright red beetle similar in appearance to the scarlet lily beetle but with red legs instead of black. It is commonly called the onion leaf beetle in Europe.
Did You Know?
Its species name 'merdigera' means 'dung-bearer,' referring to the larval behavior of covering themselves in their own excrement.